Tuesday, August 15, 2000

Washington College Dedicates Louis L. Goldstein Hall

Chestertown, MD, August 15, 2000 — Washington College will celebrate the dedication of Goldstein Hall, its newest academic building, at 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, August 27.

The $4 million facility honors the memory of Louis L. Goldstein, Maryland's legendary comptroller and the nation's longest serving elected official.

Goldstein Hall is the only academic building in the state of Maryland to bear the name of this revered public servant. Among the honored guests who plan to attend the ceremony are Goldstein's children, Louisa, Phillip and Margaret, as well as such state and local officials as William Donald Schaefer, Comptroller; Richard Dixon, Treasurer; Thomas V. "Mike" Miller, President of the Senate; Casper Taylor, Speaker of the House; Paul S. Sarbanes, U.S. Senator; Steny H. Hoyer, U.S. Congressman; Wheeler R. Baker, Maryland Delegate; and Margo Bailey, Mayor of Chestertown.

Louis L. Goldstein graduated from Washington College in 1935 and remained a dedicated alumnus all his life. He joined the Washington College Board of Visitors and Governors in 1957 and served the College throughout his tenure as State Comptroller. Goldstein was chairman of the board for 18 years until his death in 1998. He spoke often of his connection to the College, saying, "As someone who loves history, I take particular pride in Washington College. Our history, so closely linked to the creation of a new nation, is what distinguishes us from other selective liberal arts colleges in the country." Robert G. Smith, vice president for Development, said, "We at Washington College respected him as a distinguished alumnus, proud parent, and great leader."

The College has set a goal of raising $2 million in private funds for the support of Goldstein Hall. To date, gifts and other commitments total $1.1 million. Gifts and pledges of any size will be accepted by the College through the end of December 2000 to be fulfilled over three years. Donors of $1,000 or more will be recognized on a commemorative plaque in the building. Rooms in the building will be named in honor of those giving $15,000 or more. Leading the Friends of Louis L. Goldstein Committee in soliciting support for the project are Comptroller Schaefer, former Chestertown Mayor Elmer E. Horsey and former Maryland Deputy Comptroller Robert L. Swann.

The construction of Goldstein Hall has been financed by the state of Maryland, which provided half the cost, and The Campaign for Washington's College.

Announced just two years ago, the $72-million-dollar Campaign now totals $61.1 million. Louis Goldstein made the first contribution to the campaign, a gift of $1 million. The Campaign goals are to build and maintain facilities such as Goldstein Hall and to support academic distinction through scholarships, professorships, research centers, equipment and academic support.

This fall Washington College, a liberal arts school located on Maryland's Eastern Shore, will enroll its largest entering class ever. Once again, National Honor Society and Cum Laude Society members represent 51% of the freshman class.

Goldstein Hall has been built to meet the academic needs of the growing student population. It will house 3 classrooms, 5 seminar rooms, 2 teaching laboratories, a 75-seat lecture hall, 24 faculty offices, and consolidated office space for the Writing Center, Math Workshop and Study Skills Office.

Goldstein Hall was designed by architects Steve Parker and Rick Morrison of Grimm & Parker Associates of Calverton, Md. Harper & Sons, Inc., general contractors based in Easton, oversaw the construction of the building.